“I’m thrilled to be a finalist for a national accolade of this kind,” said the brewery’s Mark Hird,

“With Sonnet 43 still being a relatively new business this in itself is an achievement. I also think it demonstrates that our format of great tasting, award winning craft ales with fresh, local food really works and has serious potential.”

What are The Publican Awards that Sonnet 43 Brew House is nominated for?

The Publican Awards recognise achievement in the pub industry with 18 categories covering all aspects of the trade.

The Best Microbrewing Pub Company category is awarded to a firm that brews less than 10,000 barrels a year and runs at least one pub.

Three pubs are up for the title in 2014, with Sonnet going head to head with Leeds Brewery and Portsmouth’s Brewhouse & Kitchen, with the winner announced at a ceremony, hosted by comedian John Bishop, in London on March 25.

“We’re up against 2 other strong contenders,” said Mark. “I think we’ve shown the judges that we’re passionate about great beer and what is really different about us so we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Who are Sonnet 43 Brew House?

Since starting out in 2012 Sonnet 43 – which is named after the poem by Elizabeth Barratt Browning – has opened three brewery taps, The Lambton Worm in Chester le Street, The White Lead in Hebburn and The Clarence Villa next door to its brewery in Coxhoe.

Plans for 2014 include expanding the brewing capacity and launching more tap venues.

How was Sonnet 43 Brew House judged?

Judging for the awards consisted of three stages – a paper application, a site visit by author and beer writer Pete Brown, and mystery visits and an interview by a panel of industry experts.